Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, T.D.P.T.

Faculty

Program Coordinator

• Michael A. Tevald, PT, PhD Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

Faculty

• William G. Boissonnault, PT, DHScFAAMOPT, Professor at University of Wisconsin
• Charles D. Ciccone, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, Professor at Ithaca College
• Rebecca L. Craik, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, Professor and Dean of the College of Health Science at Arcadia University
• Martha E. Eastlack, PT, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of Entry-Level Physical Therapy Admissions
• Brian Eckenrode, PT, DPT, OCS Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
• Stephan Kareha, PT DPT, OCS, ATC, St. Luke’s Physical Therapy
• Dan Malone, PT, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at University of Colorado
• Philip McClure, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, Professor and Chair of Physical Therapy
• Amy Miller, PT, D.P.T., Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Curriculum Director
• Michael Mullen, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Kerstin Palombaro, PT, Ph.D., CAPS, Assistant Professor, Community Engagement Coordinator, Widener University
• Scott Stackhouse, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
• Kristin von Nieda, PT, M.Ed.,.DPT, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

About the Program

All post-professional D.P.T. courses are 2-credit, fully online courses.

• The program can be completed in one to three years.
• Pricing schedule makes the program affordable and competitively priced.
• Students can start any semester, and there is no required course sequence.
• Course waivers based on experience are possible for up to 6 credits.
• Students network and interact with nationally recognized faculty and peers.
• Students can take two courses before formal application and matriculation.
• Arcadia’s Physical Therapy program is ranked 20th among the 217 accredited programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The profession and practice of physical therapy is rapidly changing. The demands imposed upon a physical therapist today are very different from those of even five or 10 years ago. These demands often go beyond the formal education provided in more traditional entry-level programs. Therapists increasingly are required to justify their practice patterns based on research evidence, to take on consulting and supervisory roles, and to provide administrative expertise and leadership.

Offered completely online, this program gives practicing clinicians easy access to make their formal education congruent with students graduating from entry-level D.P.T. programs. The program’s goal is to educate clinicians to achieve practice consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Vision 2020 and beyond. Graduates will function with a high degree of professionalism and possess the requisite knowledge, skills and behaviors to practice physical therapy in a truly scientific manner (i.e., using evidence-based practice).

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to do the following:

• Solve clinical problems using evidence.
• Critically evaluate current literature and popular theories.
• Communicate professionally through scientific writing.
• Function as an effective teacher at multiple levels—with patients, students, peers, and the public.
• Lead others and advocate effectively (serve as a consultant or manager).
• Enhance skills required to be a lifelong independent learner.

This is a program for practicing professionals who want to learn and interact with nationally recognized faculty and exceptional peers. The program is highly interactive and capitalizes on the wealth of knowledge clinicians bring with them.

Admission Requirements

Students can take two courses before formal application and matriculation. Acceptance into a course does not guarantee admission.

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate students, the following program-specific requirements must be met:

1. Proof of graduation (transcript) from a physical therapist degree program accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education (currently CAPTE) with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (3.0 for internationally trained students).
2. Current license to practice physical therapy in the United States 
3. Three written recommendations (professional or academic)
4. Brief essay articulating goals for D.P.T. study
5. Basic computer skills including Internet and email
6. Computer system requirements 
7. Students will be required to complete an online plagiarism training module and submit a certificate of completion prior to beginning their first class. Complete instructions will be communicated at the time of acceptance.

Degree Requirements (12-22 credits)

The program curriculum for US educated physical therapists is 12-18 credits. A minimum of 12 credits are needed. Credit waivers are available for up to 6 of these credits (3 courses) based upon a student’s prior professional experiences and coursework as demonstrated in a portfolio. (A portfolio review charge of $200 will be applied to review material submitted for consideration of course waivers.)

Students can start any semester, and there is no required course sequence except that PT 702 Case Analysis  must be taken last. A student must maintain a 2.7 cumulative grade point average to remain in the program. If the student GPA falls below 2.7 the student may be dismissed.

Students are only required to take one course per semester but may take more as they are able. Therefore, most students will take two years to complete the program, but it may be completed in one to three years depending on student preference and experience.

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and addresses core competencies to enrich the practice of physical therapy. All courses are held online, both synchronously and asynchronously.